Midweek Musings - Starting Slow

This past weekend, Penn State had the night game, with a 7:30 kick. By the time I wrapped up some things around the house, it was right around 8:00. I walked into the living room already knowing that I’d see Penn State trailing.

And sure enough: Wisconsin 3, Penn State 0.

I sighed, because of course they were losing early, settled in on the couch, and watched them slowly beat the Badgers over the remaining 3 hours of game time.

This team is a second half team. But why? Why don’t they - can’t they? - start fast? Why not jump out to a 10-0 lead, go into the half up 17-7, and then coast to a 31-14 win?

Why do they need to spot the other team some points early in the game, and then crush them into…